Shower Time

The other day Gabriel helped me pump the gas into the van and a guy in his early 20s pointed out how Gabriel will be driving before I know it. I am happy to wait, but time sure flies. Two days ago, Gabriel said, "I want to try taking a shower, mom. I want to practice being a grown-up." So instead of his usual bath with his brother, Gabriel got to shower with supervision. He loved it!! We called Heather and he was so excited to share the good news. So tonight, I suggested it again and Gabriel enthusiastically tested the water and hopped in the shower. He shampooed his own hair and used a washcloth to wash himself. As he was rinsing off, he said, "Mom, how small or big do I look? 10? Do I look 10, mom?"

Oh, sweetie, slow down!

Spiderman Birthday #2

Last weekend we had a second birthday party for Ephraim. Can you guess the theme? 

 

We ate vanilla cupcakes (Ephraim's preferred flavor).

Hugs for Grandma Cook. Thanks to Megahn and John and Everett for coming. Heather made the day complete.

 Gabriel did a great job of taking some pictures himself:

Here is Ephraim earlier this week. He loves his rocks. He usually picks one up wherever we go and brings it home to add to our nature collection on the window sill. It is funny because he was getting frustrated with me that I didn't know how to play his game with the rock characters.

Happy Birthday, Ephraim!

On Saturday my adorable baby boy turned THREE years old!! I collected some of my favorite pictures of him. Naturally, I had trouble narrowing them down, but here are some of them.



Four days old
(big baby, latched well, slept next to me happily, such a joy!)

Three weeks old
(our sunshine watching us move around and playing)

Two months old
(adorable smiles)

Three months old
(prefers to sleep in his crib or side-along bassinet, not in my arms)

One year old
(love those cheeks!)

Two years old
(wow what a difference a year makes)

I am a little sad that I have been so distracted this past year of his life. It went by quickly in that sense. But he has grown so much and I have enjoyed him every day. Ephraim enjoys playing with his brother and imitating him some times. Ephraim is also very good at playing independently, even with Gabriel in the same room. Recently he learned to say his name correctly, no more "Ee-ee" or "Ee-um." He can say "Ee-frum" very clearly. He can easily count to 10 and higher and knows about 1/3 of his letters (more if we've been practicing). He has blossomed at daycare and loves playing with other kids. He thirsts for knowledge and Gabriel shows him the way. He loves making us laugh with funny faces or jokes. He'll suddenly fall "dead" (with tongue out) or become a statue to make me laugh. His common phrases are "dat funny, mommy?" and "just teasing you." Some things he says make me think he is wise beyond his years.

Birthday #1 in the Mail

We received a birthday package in the mail on Wednesday from Grandma and Grandpa Gunn. It was just what we needed on a crazy weekday! 

The kids weren't sure what to think of the special potion that turns bath water into green goo and then back again. They played for at least 20 minutes in it, so it was fun.

Gabriel took over the puzzle but Ephraim didn't mind since he got to look at all the hidden shapes and pictures in the Disney puzzle. The boys even knew most of the characters and were reminded of our trip to Disneyland.

We had a birthday party on Sunday with my parents (dual, with Grandpa McMillan for his birthday too). It was super fun. Pictures will be posted later since I forgot my camera that day (hey, mom, can you send me your photos please?).

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

Beautiful weather today! Gabriel insisted on a picnic in the front yard after school for lunch. Ephraim happily agreed and helped set up.

Kids' Minds

Here's a conversation that Ephraim and I had this evening.

Ephraim: (picking his nose)

Mom: Are you digging a hole to your brain?! Eeew!

E:  No, my brain not in there.

Mom:  You’re so smart. Where is your brain?

E:  Inside here (pointing to his knee)

Mom:  What? No, your brain is up here in your head.

E:  I have a large brain, goes all the way to here. (pointing to knee)

Mom: (laughs)

E: (thinks) If you don’t have a brain, you’re a zombie, you know dat?

We had a family home evening lesson on talents tonight. I talked first about Gabriel's talents: how I love that he has been working on developing his drawing talent. I also love that he picks up song tunes so quickly (which was immediately demonstrated) and is great with music. Gabriel then jumped up and tearfully hugged me and said this was the best night ever! I give him compliments often, but I guess that's what he needed tonight--point blank love.

Here is Gabriel's cowboy that he drew a few weeks ago (inspired by the other side of the paper that has a printed picture of Woody in a similar pose). I love that he said the pink lines by the legs are the "blur" because the cowboy is running.

We had a little castle inside our fishtank. The fishtank is now drained but the kids wanted the mini castle. Gabriel found it this afternoon and asked for some blank paper and started drawing what he saw. He added the two tallest towers later, along with the fireworks "for the princess's birthday."

 

Days Together

Without school last week, Gabriel had lots of energy to burn at home. I put in my kick boxing video and we had a great time! (Just look at that beautiful morning sunshine.)
Both boys stretched...

 Gabriel really got into it. ... Ephraim was content just to watch (out of arm's reach!).

Before bed the other night, I caught them playing Legos so nicely together. They have their sweet moments as brothers and I am so happy they are happening more often.